Code and Theory has tapped Ismalia Traoré--joining from Wieden + Kennedy-- as the first creative director to be hired by the agency’s new Chief Creative Officer Craig Elimeliah, who joined the agency in May.   

The Stagwell shop is making a concerted effort to hire talent with strong skill sets that combine  creativity and technology, seen as essential to fulfilling the remits in its growing digital transformation practice, and more broadly as tech’s role in advertising and marketing continues to expand rapidly.    

Traoré fits the bill—the agency views him as a “visionary” who leverages creativity, technology and culture.   

Traoré, who is also co-founder of Coral Studios, has worked on campaigns for Google, Nike, Delta, Umbro and Procter & Gamble.  

He also created his own collaboration with Nike and Coral Studios to showcase the power of storytelling alongside charity, including the launch of the Air Max 95, which brought together sneakerhead subculture and advertising.     

At Wieden, he celebrated the life and legacy of designer and entrepreneur Virgil Abloh, with a campaign that highlighted the life lessons that guided Abloh along his path to success.  Traoré also worked on the Delta Runway Runway initiative to highlight small business owners through the power of Delta and Issa Rae. Together, they hosted a fashion show that connected the worlds of fashion and travel.   

Elimeliah said, “At Code and Theory, pushing the boundaries of creativity and culture is in our DNA. That’s why I’m thrilled to have Ish onto our team. Ish’s work with brands like Nike, Google and Virgil Abloh shows his unique ability to craft stories that resonate globally.”